Squirrel's Abdication
Summary: Clan leaders remained in leadership for life. That was the usual tradition. But, what was there to do when an elderly leader's decline was endangering her Clan? A proud she-cat must step down and allow the younger generation to take over.
A/N: This two-shot is related to my old story Ghouls of the Clans: Tigerstar's Revenge, a Warriors crossover fanfiction I deleted years ago. I will reboot it at some point, but I wanted to start things in one-shot and short story form first. It is about six and a half years after Thunder and Shadow.
In the descriptions of the OCs, I list their parents' names. Some cats might only have one parent listed, and some pairings might be a shock. Characters that received their warrior names in Shattered Sky may have a different name in this story. The allegiances are at the bottom. Please bear with me!
Warnings: OCs, character death, fantasy elements, past sexual assault (not detailed, and only mentioned briefly), fantasy elements, sexist original Clans (mentioned briefly), canon deviations, character affected with mental condition (dementia) (by the last one, I do mean the main character; if you feel that you cannot handle this situation, please turn back now)
Canon Deviation Warnings: Powered!Three (they did not lose their powers permanently), Medicine Cats Allowed Mates and Kits, Altered Cat Descriptions (the Erins have not been consistent on cats' appearances or even their gender, so I made up my mind on some cats), Original Clans (mentioned), Alderheart Not Remaining A Medicine Cat Apprentice, AU after Thunder and Shadow
Squirrelstar stared at her ginger tabby and white medicine cat. A chill settled in her stomach. She needed to make the decision now.
"Dapplecloud, bring me Smokefoot. We cannot put this off any longer."
The dappled ginger tabby and white she-cat met the green eyes of the elderly leader. Her short fur stood off in alarm.
"Are you sure, Squirrelstar?" the dappled she-cat inquired.
"You know that once you do this, you cannot take your decision back."
Squirrelstar stretched out her body. Her voice came out as a whisper.
"I am sure. I can no longer lead as well as my Clan needs. I've been putting it off. We all saw Mistystar of RiverClan's body after she passed in her sleep from old age. She stayed alive for so long with a clear mind. It hurts to admit it, but my mind is growing foggier each day. How can I lead ThunderClan when I mess up the decisions I make?"
The dark ginger she-cat cast her gaze to the ground. Her forgetfulness had begun with small things like taking her former apprentice Skippertail out for training. It slipped her mind that Dovewing was hoping for one last litter. Skippertail's brother Shadefang ended up with her as a mentor for her trouble. He had become bitter when the gray she-cat grew too pregnant to mentor him in this year's newleaf.
The mistakes piled up. There were some moments where she forgot that she was the ThunderClan leader. Bramblestar perished in a nasty battle against a fox when he went out hunting alone over two years ago. The fox had attacked some wayward WindClan kits and chased them towards the border.
The previous WindClan leader Harestar had been hot in pursuit. The brown and white tom heaved his fellow Clan leader over the ThunderClan border with his entourage of kits so the huge brown tabby's Clan knew what befell him.
Then, there was the Snowheart incident. Disabled Clan cats became normal warriors alongside their regular Clanmates after Egretstream of RiverClan's breakthroughs, but innovation did not wash away history overnight. Cinderheart and Lionblaze's lastborn daughter Snowheart had been born deaf.
Squirrelstar and the she-cat's parents decided to hide this from most of ThunderClan so she could grow up normally. It was not going to be hid forever – just until the mostly white she-cat's sixth moon. It was so she could grow up without cats constantly doubting her capabilities.
Cinderheart died from illness while her last kits were still young. Snowheart's brother Finchtalon revealed her secret to the Clan during their fifth moon. He heartlessly told his sister that ThunderClan would never accept her because of her deafness. She took it badly enough that she ran away from the Clan's camp. It took a half-moon for the mostly white she-cat to return home.
Dapplecloud reappeared at the entrance of the leader's den with a dark gray tabby tom by her side. She brought the tom forward into the darkened cave.
"Squirrelstar, you asked to see me?" the tom called.
The elderly ginger leader nodded. She bowed her head.
"Smokefoot, you have seen me the last few moons. You have watched my mind begin to slip away from me. Are you ready to take the leap into leadership so our Clan does not suffer from my altered judgment?"
Smokefoot froze for a moment. His light green eyes blinked. He slowly lowered his head.
"Yes. ThunderClan needs strong leadership after that mess with GorgeClan. Our Clanmates expect their leader to offer up advice to them and protect them. Leaving you as our leader would be unfair to them, and to you."
The gray tabby nuzzled the thick-furred she-cat. She took in every hair of his pelt. He had been a great choice as her successor ever since the day she chose him. Smokefoot thought well on his paws, set a good example for young cats, rallied ThunderClan when it was in crisis, and had been a great father to his two litters of kits.
"You sometimes remind me a lot about your father," she purred.
Her deputy twitched his whiskers.
"Wits and pragmatism run in my family, Squirrelstar. It comes from watching my father so much when I was a kit."
Squirrelstar's nephew Jayfeather was the gray tabby's father. He raised his two kits in the mountains after a vicious crime against him and the other medicine cats led to his unsanctioned exile. Most cats believed him dead. His injuries and blindness prevented him from returning home.
He and his brother Lionblaze were now elder-aged. Lionblaze had recently retired after finishing Foxfang's training. While he still retained his famous strength, the golden tabby started deteriorating after his mate's death. He claimed it was now time for him to let the younger cats fight their battles.
Perhaps it was his retirement that made Squirrelstar see the truth. Her sister's surviving kits were now elders in age if not rank. Sparkpelt and Alderheart had begun to age as well.
Where did that leave her and Leafpool? She and the light brown tabby still possessed their connection to each other. Leafpool left the lake years ago, but she was still alive. Her heartbeat echoed through their connection.
Dapplecloud interjected her thoughts.
"Squirrelstar, when would you like me to escort you and Smokefoot to the Moonpool? StarClan said that this could be performed anytime."
The ginger she-cat pondered about it. The sky was lightening with mixes of orange and pink in the clouds. It was too late to attempt a Moonpool visit. The Clans communed with their ancestors at night, not dawn.
The idea of traveling at night frightened her. That was the time of day when her memory problems worsened. She didn't even remember where the Moonpool was located! She hated what her age was doing to her mind. She raked her claws into her moss nest.
"Tonight or tomorrow night. Dapplecloud, Smokefoot, I'm worried of what I might do to ThunderClan if left as leader any longer. My warriors step lightly around me. I fear the day when I do not recognize my Clanmates or my Clan's territory."
Squirrelstar had a hard time remembering some warriors as it was. She knew her kits, the nephews she raised as her own, her nephews' kits, her daughter's litter, her two living former apprentices, Whitewing, and Tigerheart.
But, she sometimes struggled with putting a name to Ivypool's daughter Willowface. She occasionally forgot that Rosekit and Duskkit had been born to their mother Ambermoon just a few days ago. This could not go on.
Dapplecloud blinked kindly at her leader.
"I understand. I will leave Speckleblaze in camp while I escort you so ThunderClan still has a medicine cat. We are breaking new ground. No matter what happens Squirrelstar, know that you have led our Clan well. No cat blames you for this."
The ginger she-cat nuzzled the dappled medicine cat's narrow face.
"I know. Thank you for being my medicine cat. I would not have endured this long without you."
Squirrelstar stared at the dappled she-cat's thin body. It possessed a more defined build than it used to. Her breaths steadied.
Dapplecloud was much younger that she was. She and her late mother Mottleflower came to ThunderClan six years ago after a shadow demon from the Dark Forest killed their family in their Twolegplace. SkyClan had just returned to the lake.
The Clans suffered from a deadly contagious illness that Darktail's kin passed onto them. It was deemed the blood dirt fever. Many cats died in each Clan. The two she-cats and other outsiders helped repopulate the Clans in the aftermath.
If even the ginger tabby and white she-cat was showing some age, Squirrelstar should not feel guilty about retiring as the ThunderClan leader. It was true that it had not been done before in recent memory. But, StarClan understood.
Once she realized that her memory lapses were not simple forgetfulness, Squirrelstar met with her ancestors to find a solution. She came to an agreement with them. She would begin having Smokefoot take care of more duties, and renounce all but one of her remaining lives once she could no longer lead her Clan effectively.
Smokefoot turned towards the exit of the den.
"I need to arrange this morning's patrols. The warriors are probably getting restless. I will be here if you want to talk to me, Squirrelstar."
The gray tabby vanished out of the leader's den. He had started spending more time in camp once he learned of his leader's memory problems. He reasoned that it would be hard for Squirrelstar to pick and mentor a new deputy if something happened to him. He only had one life to lose.
Dapplecloud shifted her paws around.
"I will go wake up Speckleblaze. We have much to do today. Remember to take another cat with you if you leave camp, Squirrelstar."
The ginger leader bit her tongue. Part of her raged at the idea of being treated like a helpless kit. But, she knew her medicine cat was just trying to help her.
"I will. Thank you, Dapplecloud."
The thin she-cat stepped out of the den on dainty paws. Squirrelstar followed her out after a few moments. She stood on Highledge. The early-rising warriors arched their bodies into a stretch. A frail-looking mostly pale gray she-cat drooped her ears at the sight of the fresh-kill pile.
That was Graywhisker, a young she-cat that had been born with a weak heart. Squirrelstar had made her, her siblings Swiftnose and Foxfang, and Finchtalon warriors recently. Dapplecloud suspected that she would die young.
The gray she-cat with a few cream patches had developed great hunting skills in spite of her health problems. The greenleaf heat had made it difficult for her to contribute to the Clan in the last few moons. She had become very frustrated about that.
A ginger and white tom exited the warriors' den while bouncing on his paws. That was Skippertail, Squirrelstar's last apprentice. At his side was a gray tortoiseshell and white she-cat. She intertwined her tail with the ginger and white tom.
She was Dawnstorm, one of Smokefoot and his mate Robinsong's kits. Smokefoot's other kits were Speckleblaze, Sootwhisker, Leafclaw, and Blacktail. Their family consisted of a mix of different personalities.
Out of them, only Blacktail walked with StarClan. She and her littermate Leafclaw had been out with their mentors at nine moons old when they encountered a badger that they could not avoid.
Blacktail had been a serious duty-bound cat for her age. She forced herself between the badger and her brother so Leafclaw could live. She had been a very agile apprentice. She suffered for three days in agony with a broken spine for her trouble.
Squirrelstar made the choice to use the rare dying apprentice ceremony so Blacktail entered StarClan with a warrior name. Dapplecloud eased her suffering a few moments later with a poppy seed overdose.
The medicine cat had determined that she would not recover from her other injuries from the attack. There was no chance of her adapting to her condition as Briarlight had. The black apprentice's case rattled the dappled she-cat to this day.
Squirrelstar peered down at her awakening Clanmates. When she had taken on the mantle of leadership, she took a vow to serve them the best she could, to protect them from harm, and provide guidance to those that required council. How could she have delayed her decision to step down for so long?
A cool breeze ruffled her fur. She knew why. It was her pride.
Mistystar's son Reedstar, Hawkstar of SkyClan, and Heatherstar of WindClan could command their Clans well in old age. Why couldn't she? Why did the aging process take away her ability to reason instead of her strength or mobility?
Squirrelstar yawned. She walked back into her den. She had not slept well last night. She had dreamed of her Clanmates becoming strangers to her. When the nightmare woke her, her den had been completely dark. She had believed it was many years ago when her mate had been alive, her mother had not departed for StarClan, and her sister and nephew were still in the Clan.
She had screamed Bramblestar's name. When he did not show up, she randomly called out for Sandstorm, Leafpool, Jayfeather, and Lionblaze. Dapplecloud had shown up quickly upon hearing her cries.
She patiently explained that Leafpool had departed ThunderClan for the Clan's sake, that Squirrelstar and not Bramblestar was the current ThunderClan leader, that Lionblaze was an elder, that Jayfeather was forced to leave after he and the other medicine cats had been the victims of a crime, and that Sandstorm and Bramblestar had left for StarClan a long time ago. Squirrelstar's memory cleared once she spotted Lionblaze in the elders' den snoozing on his back.
The ginger she-cat settled in her soft nest. She knew there would come a time when her memory would not snap back so easily. It pained her to give up her leadership. Leaders usually stayed at their posts until death, after all. There had been a lot of debate in ThunderClan about what to do once her senility had become common knowledge.
She had to do this. It was for ThunderClan's own good. It wasn't like she was running off to become a kittypet. That had never been an option for years with no more Twolegs around the lake. She would never do such a thing. She would remain as an elder who would advise Smokefoot until her mind fully gave way.
Squirrelstar's day started out quiet. She had decided to take a few cats out hunting once she had woken up from her early morning nap. She chose Skippertail and Graywhisker to accompany her into the forest.
Her former apprentice had wiggled his body when she had chosen him. Graywhisker dipped her head, and had quietly proclaimed that she was honored.
It was a comfortable day with fluffy white clouds spread out in the sky. The dark ginger leader glanced at the trees her small patrol passed. A few leaves had turned golden, brown, red, or orange. It would not be long before they would fall on the ground.
Skippertail loved chasing leaves. He showed a kit-like attitude at times even as a warrior. Squirrelstar thought it was part of his charm. She lifted her nose into the air for a whiff of prey.
There! A red squirrel nibbled on an acorn at the base of a tree. She lowered her body into the hunter's crouch. She pointed her sweeping tail low to the ground. Her Clanmates obeyed her silent signal. Skippertail crept towards the west. Graywhisker stalked towards the east silently.
Squirrelstar glanced at the ground for any sticks or leaves. She slowly approached the furry creature. It continued to nibble on the acorn. She readied her hind legs to pounce.
Her paws slammed on the squirrel's neck before it could make another sound. She felt its neck snap under the force. She buried the squirrel at the base of the tree. She followed Skippertail's scent.
The ginger and white tom sat down with a cache of four mice at his paws. He pricked his ears forward as his former mentor approached.
"Squirrelstar, it's nice meeting you here," he greeted.
She purred at the ginger and white tom.
"It's nice to see you as well, Skippertail. Have you been doing well in camp?"
He licked his fluffy chest.
"I've been performing my warrior duties fine. But, there's a she-cat I like spending time with. I want to treat her right."
Oh. He meant Dawnstorm. The formerly oblivious tom had started following her around once she was made a warrior. It looked like she liked him back. Hopefully they would not have kits too soon. Skippertail kept losing track of the kits and let the kits get away with things they shouldn't the few times the queens had him kit-sit.
Squirrelstar laid her fluffy tail across her former apprentice's shoulders.
"The most important thing is to treat her kindly," she advised him.
"Do not rush her into anything. Do not attempt to control her. Show her that you love her through your actions. Invite her on patrols. Bring her fresh-kill. Talk with her. You are a very good cat, Skippertail."
His blue eyes brightened up.
"Thank you, Squirrelstar!"
He buried his catches where he had been previously sitting. He wandered off to another part of the forest. Squirrelstar opened her mouth for any signs of nearby prey.
She in the end added a couple of thrushes and a mouse to her hole of prey. She had attempted a swipe at a blackbird, but her mind grew foggy for a moment. The glossy-feathered animal flew off.
"Fox dung," the ginger leader cursed under her breath.
She lifted her nose into the air once more. She smelled a rabbit that likely wandered from WindClan territory. She caught Graywhisker's scent soon after. The mostly pale gray warrior was likely chasing after the rabbit.
Squirrelstar followed the two scents into the thinner part of the forest. She watched a brown long-eared animal sprint by her. Graywhisker ran by as fast as her weak heart allowed her. She panted heavily. She pounced on the rabbit. She bit its neck.
The mostly pale gray she-cat's green eyes widened at her catch. She purred. But, her body seized up as she collapsed on the grass-covered ground. Squirrelstar ran to her side.
"Graywhisker!" she called out.
The dark ginger she-cat nuzzled the young warrior's neck. Dapplecloud had informed ThunderClan warriors that if Graywhisker collapsed while on patrol with them, they were to nuzzle her neck to check her heartbeat. A healthy cat's heartbeat sounded clear and steady.
The mostly pale gray she-cat with a few cream patches currently had a heartbeat that sounded weak. It came out erratic. The sickly young warrior needed back to camp at once.
Graywhisker's breathing steadied. She blinked her green eyes at the ThunderClan leader.
"Squirrelstar, it's okay," she rasped.
"I'm just tired."
Squirrelstar settled next to her downed warrior. She had only one question for the mostly pale gray she-cat.
"Why did you go after the rabbit?"
A rabbit was more difficult to catch than a mouse, squirrel, vole, or bird. To snatch one up required speed and endurance. For all of her hunting skills, endurance was something the sickly she-cat did not possess.
Graywhisker's tail rose up from where she lay.
"I wanted to prove I could provide for my Clan. That the warrior name you bestowed on me was not because of pity. I had been afraid since I was a kit that I would never become a warrior, Squirrelstar. I heard the stories about Speckletail's son Snowkit and your nephew Jayfeather."
The dark ginger leader bowed her head. How could she forget how the Clans used to treat young cats with physical challenges? She heard the tale of Snowkit from the old forest since she was young.
Bluestar's failing mind, the close-mindedness of other warriors, and the hawk that snatched him out of the camp destroyed any chances of him becoming an apprentice. Just thinking of Bluestar's last moons solidified her decision to abdicate as the ThunderClan leader.
Jayfeather had not been given a fair chance to try out warrior training before he was shunted to the medicine den. He had wanted to become a regular warrior. What would have happened if he and Hollyleaf did not exchange apprenticeships? The gray tabby had been sick of others pitying him.
He would have never had the chance to start a family had he remained in the Clans. The ban against medicine cats having kits or mates was not revoked until after the crime leading to his faked death. He visited Squirrelstar in her dreams sometimes. He claimed that some of his younger kits were taking care of him and his mate in old age.
Squirrelstar leaned in close to Graywhisker. She beamed at the young cat.
"You don't need to fear things like that, Graywhisker. The days of shunting young cats off to the elders or the medicine den are long past. The Clan provides for every cat."
The dark ginger she-cat sat up. She called out for Skippertail.
The ginger and white tom ran agilely through the trees towards the two she-cats a few moments later. His thick pelt stood off in alarm.
"Squirrelstar, what happened?" he gasped.
Squirrelstar pointed her tail to Graywhisker. The mostly gray she-cat's chest shuddered as it rose and fell. Her eyes gradually closed as she watched the clouds above.
"Graywhisker collapsed after catching a rabbit. Take the rabbit back to camp. Fetch help to move her and our prey. Have the warriors that will take our prey back see if Graywhisker caught anything else."
The ginger and white tom nodded his head.
"I understand. Stay here until I come back."
He picked up the rabbit in his jaws. He pelted off towards the ThunderClan camp.
Thankfully, Squirrelstar's mind stayed steady. She laid next to Graywhisker. Her ears pricked for any sign of her Clanmates.
A patrol of ThunderClan cats arrived a short time later. Dapplecloud's apprentice Speckleblaze was at its head. She bolted for Graywhisker.
The dark speckled tortoiseshell pressed her nose to the mostly gray she-cat's neck. Her lip curled.
"This is not sounding good," she whispered under her breath.
She turned to Squirrelstar.
"Squirrelstar, her heart is very weak. Chasing the rabbit was too strenuous for her. Help me take her back to camp."
Speckleblaze stood up with her back straight. The dark ginger she-cat grasped Graywhisker's scruff. She draped the mostly gray she-cat with cream patches over the medicine cat apprentice's back. The she-cats headed for the thicker forest that grew at the heart of ThunderClan territory.
Dapplecloud met them at the camp entrance. She helped her apprentice to the medicine den.
Squirrelstar headed in behind them. She was too tired to go back out. She wanted to hear her downed warrior's prognosis.
Speckleblaze lowered Graywhisker into a nest. The mostly gray she-cat's breathing grew faint. Dapplecloud nuzzled the small warrior all over. She shook her head.
"Her heart has been getting worse over the last moon. Greenleaf's heat had not been kind to her. This will be difficult to recover from."
Squirrelstar spoke up.
"Dapplecloud, what are Graywhisker's chances of recovery?"
The dappled ginger tabby and white medicine cat shook her head.
"Not good. Even if she recovers, her heart has weakened over the last few moons. It could just give out on her on a regular walk. I suspect that she has known this would happen. It's her body, after all."
The dark ginger leader approached Graywhisker's nest. She let out a moan.
"This is going to be rough on Swiftnose and Foxfang. They just lost their mother to the battle with GorgeClan. She and their uncle died together."
Cherryfall was the mother of Graywhisker, Swiftnose, and Foxfang. Her mate had been Stormcloud, but he was not the father of the three kits; they came into the world from an involuntary encounter with a GorgeClan tom. She and her brother Molewhisker fell in battle together against GorgeClan a moon-and-a-half ago.
Squirrelstar pined for both cats. Her deceased former apprentices Foxleap and Rosepetal trained the two siblings. They had then been given her and Bramblestar's kits to mentor. Her heart ached thinking about them.
Dapplecloud nodded. Her dark blue eyes glistened.
"I know. I will send Speckleblaze to retrieve Swiftnose and Foxfang once they're in the camp. Are you still planning to visit the Moonpool tonight?"
The dark ginger she-cat nodded. Even with the tragedies in her Clan, she knew in her heart what had to be done.
"Yes. It's been delayed too long. Tell Smokefoot to rest for the afternoon. I'm going to my den. Wake us up at sunset."
Squirrelstar exited the ThunderClan camp with Smokefoot and Dapplecloud beside her. The cats in the camp lingered around the dens with drooping tails and ears. Graywhisker's condition grew worse as the day dragged on. Warriors had transported her, Skippertail, and the dark ginger she-cat's prey back home. No one took a bite at it.
Speckleblaze, Graywhisker's littermates, her former nursery denmates, and the mostly gray she-cat's former mentor Limpetcloud gathered around her nest and the medicine den. Dapplecloud had allowed it so long as the cats moved if patients needed to enter.
"This was not how I expected to end my leadership," Squirrelstar mused.
Dapplecloud licked her ear as they walked.
"It happens. Graywhisker has been ill her whole life. I thought she would never make it past her third moon. You did a good job comforting Limpetcloud."
The cream tom had been distraught about his former apprentice. Squirrelstar had brought Rosepetal's son close to her with her tail and assured him that he had been a fine mentor. None of this was his fault. He had thanked her for her praise.
Smokefoot caught up to the two she-cats.
"You have done a great job comforting our Clanmates. I hope I can live up to your legacy."
Squirrelstar licked his ear.
"You'll do fine, mousebrain. The Clan respects you a lot. Just be yourself."
The dark ginger leader and her entourage followed the Moonpool stream into the hills. Dapplecloud took the lead. The stream ended at a small pool of water that seemed to sparkle with stars. A narrow path dimpled with paw prints ended with an area of flat stone next to the pool.
Squirrelstar readied herself. She had to step down and renounce her lives for ThunderClan's sake.
Dapplecloud called out to her.
"It is time. Squirrelstar, you and Smokefoot will have to drink from the Moonpool. The water will send you to sleep. StarClan will meet you in your dreams as we have discussed."
The dark ginger she-cat flicked her white forepaw. She approached the Moonpool. As she gulped down some of the water, she wondered who would meet her in StarClan.
Her parents and mate would probably show up. They had given her lives back at her leadership ceremony. Her mentor Dustpelt and former apprentices Foxleap and Rosepetal would probably be present.
She hoped Hollyleaf, Juniperkit, and Dandelionkit would be there. She still pined for her lost kits and niece to this day. Maybe she would see Feathertail, Stormfur, or even Crowfeather.
She had last seen Stormfur a little under six years ago when he came down from the Tribe of Rushing Water to visit ThunderClan. His father Graystripe had gone up to the Tribe for a visit, but died in his sleep during his stay. Stormfur had likely passed by now as he had been around Bramblestar's age.
Bramblestar's littermate Tawnypelt still lived as a ShadowClan elder. Much like Squirrelstar, she stayed as an active warrior for a very long time. She had even served as ShadowClan's deputy for a few moons before her retirement.
Tawnypelt and Bramblestar's half-sister Mothwing occupied RiverClan's elders' den. She had been enjoying a relaxing retirement. Both would probably pass on soon.
Crowfeather left alongside Leafpool years ago. Squirrelstar felt through her connection with her sister that it took a long time for the two former forbidden lovers to rekindle their love. He was older than either the dark ginger she-cat or Leafpool. He had probably gone to StarClan by this point. She had sensed her sister experiencing tremendous grief recently…
She laid down on the stone with Smokefoot next to her. She waited for her ancestors to come to her.
Allegiances
ThunderClan
Leader: Squirrelstar – Elderly dark ginger she-cat with green eyes, and a white forepaw
Deputy: Smokefoot – Swift dark gray tabby tom with light green eyes (Half Moon and Jayfeather's son)
Medicine Cat: Dapplecloud – Dappled ginger tabby and white she-cat with dark blue eyes and a long thin tail, formerly a kittypet (Mottleflower and Jack's daughter)
Medicine Cat Apprentice: Speckleblaze – Dark speckled tortoiseshell she-cat with blue-green eyes, white front paws and tail tip, and a small white mark on her forehead (Robinsong and Smokefoot's daughter)
Warriors:
Dovewing – Old gray she-cat with blue eyes
Tigerheart – Old dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes, formerly of ShadowClan
Lilyheart – Old small tortoiseshell and white she-cat with blue eyes
Apprentice, Swiftpaw
Stormcloud – Old gray tabby tom with deep amber eyes
Apprentice, Elmpaw
Snowbush – Old white tom with amber eyes
Apprentice, Sorrelpaw
Hollytuft – Aging black she-cat with green eyes and distinctive tufts on her ears (Cinderheart and Lionblaze's eldest kit)
Apprentice, Daisypaw
Alderheart – Aging dark ginger tom with amber eyes (Squirrelstar and Bramblestar's son)
Sparkpelt – Aging orange tabby she-cat with green eyes (Squirrelstar and Bramblestar's daughter)
Apprentice, Minnowpaw
Larkblaze – Aging black tom with blue eyes (Lilyheart and Snowbush's son)
Drizzlewing – Silver-gray she-cat with dark blue eyes (Dovewing and Tigerheart's eldest kit)
Apprentice, Applepaw
Willowface – Pretty silver tabby and white she-cat with blue eyes (Ivypool and Bumblestripe's daughter)
Apprentice, Pigeonpaw
Shriketail – Gray tabby and white tom with blue eyes (Ivypool and Bumblestripe's son)
Robinsong – Tortoiseshell and white she-cat with green eyes, former rogue (Eclipse and Fox's daughter)
Apprentice, Peonypaw
Burnetfoot – Swift ginger tabby tom with green eyes (Cherryfall and Stormcloud's eldest kit)
Cranefeather – Gray she-cat with bright green eyes (Hollytuft's daughter)
Leopardclaw – Spotted golden tabby tom with amber eyes (Cinderheart and Lionblaze's son)
Aspentail – Large gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes (Cinderheart and Lionblaze's daughter)
Yarrowheart – Golden tabby she-cat with amber eyes and a broken back leg (Larkblaze's daughter)
Limpetcloud – Slender cream tom with green eyes (Rosepetal's son)
Ravencloud – Small black she-cat with blue eyes, a white chest and a white hindpaw, formerly of GorgeClan
Apprentice, Sleetpaw
Frostflower – White she-cat with dark green eyes, former loner
Leafclaw – Ginger tom with amber eyes and a long scar on his shoulder, has a pronounced limp (Robinsong and Smokefoot's son)
Ashfrost – Dark gray she-cat with ice-blue eyes (Cinderheart and Lionblaze's daughter)
Apprentice, Larchpaw
Skippertail – Ginger and white tom with blue eyes (Lilyheart and Snowbush's son)
Shadefang – Black tom with dark amber eyes (Lilyheart and Snowbush's son)
Dawnstorm – Plump gray tortoiseshell and white she-cat with amber eyes (Robinsong and Smokefoot's daughter)
Sootwhisker – Thin dark gray tabby she-cat with green eyes (Robinsong and Smokefoot's daughter)
Snowheart – Tiny white she-cat with blue eyes and a small dark gray spot on her left hindleg, deaf (Cinderheart and Lionblaze's daughter)
Finchtalon – Dark golden tabby tom with green eyes and a fluffy tail (Cinderheart and Lionblaze's son)
Foxfang – Ginger tom with pale green eyes (Cherryfall and Rookflight's son)
Swiftnose – Small black she-cat with bright blue eyes, a white chest, and small ginger patches (Cherryfall and Rookflight's daughter)
Graywhisker – Tiny pale gray she-cat with green eyes and small cream patches on her pelt, has a weak heart (Cherryfall and Rookflight's daughter)
Apprentices:
Daisypaw – Cream she-cat with green eyes (Sparkpelt and Burnetfoot's daughter)
Applepaw – Ginger and white she-cat with green eyes (Sparkpelt and Burnetfoot's daughter)
Sorrelpaw – Ginger tom with green eyes, has a hard time breathing (Sparkpelt and Burnetfoot's son)
Peonypaw – Small cream tom with amber eyes and a white chest (Sparkpelt and Burnetfoot's son)
Minnowpaw – Fluffy silver tabby and white tom with blue eyes (Willowface's and Cedar's son)
Larchpaw – Golden brown tabby she-cat with blue-green eyes (Willowface's and Cedar's daughter)
Elmpaw – Brown tabby tom with amber eyes, a white chest, and white underbelly (Dovewing and Tigerheart's son)
Pigeonpaw – Blue-gray tom with amber eyes (Dovewing and Tigerheart's son)
Sleetpaw – White she-cat with large pale gray patches and blue eyes (Dovewing and Tigerheart's daughter)
Queens:
Hailwhisker – Older white she-cat with long whiskers and dark blue eyes, former loner
Mother of Limpetcloud's kits: Parsleykit and Cloverkit
Ambermoon – Old pale ginger she-cat with amber eyes
Mother of Molewhisker's kits: Duskkit and Rosekit
Kits:
Parsleykit – White tom-kit with dark green eyes
Cloverkit – Cream tom-kit with blue eyes
Duskkit – Brown tortoiseshell she-kit with amber eyes, white paws, and a white tail tip
Rosekit – Ginger tom-kit with amber eyes
Elders:
Whitewing – Elderly white she-cat with green eyes
Lionblaze – Old golden tabby tom with amber eyes
ShadowClan
Leader: Palestar – Very pale white-silver tabby tom with bright green eyes and light gray markings, former loner
Deputy: Tallflower – Black she-cat with long legs and green eyes, is very wobbly (Pinenose's daughter)
Medicine Cat: Puddleshine – Aging white tom with brown splotches and blue eyes (Pinenose and Spikefur's son)
Medicine Cat Apprentice: Sunheart – Longhaired golden tabby tom with blue eyes (Goldie and Bitternpelt's son)
Warriors:
Newtnose – Old tortoiseshell she-cat with dark green eyes
Pinenose – Old black she-cat with amber eyes
Mistcloud – Old spiky-furred pale gray she-cat with light blue eyes
Hornetcloud – Aging longhaired ginger she-cat with dark blue eyes, former kittypet
Cloverfoot – Aging gray tabby she-cat with green eyes (Snowbird and Scorchfur's daughter)
Sleekwhisker – Aging yellow she-cat with amber eyes (Dawnpelt and Crowfrost's son)
Needletail – Aging sleek silver she-cat with white chest fur and bold green eyes (Berryheart and Sparrowtail's son)
Tanagerfang – Dark ginger tom with blue eyes (Arguswhisker and Juniperstar's son)
Sedgetail – Black tom with a white tail-tip and amber eyes (Tallflower's son)
Waxfeather – Fluffy golden tabby tom with amber eyes (Lionfoot's son)
Plumnose – Reddish-ginger tom with blue eyes, former kittypet
Thymestorm – Pale cream tom with amber eyes, former loner
Garlicleaf – White tom with green eyes (Rippletail's son)
Apprentice, Lichenpaw
Leechspots – Tortoiseshell she-cat with large black patches, golden eyes, former loner
Firpetal – Dark gray tabby and white she-cat with green eyes and a missing front leg (Railclaw and Lilacleap's daughter)
Pipitfoot – Light brown tabby tom with white belly, white paws, and dark amber eyes (Railclaw and Lilacleap's son)
Darkfang – Large black tom with green eyes (Goldie and Bitternpelt's son)
Raincloud – Dappled gray and white she-cat with blue eyes (Goldie and Bitternpelt's daughter)
Apprentice, Rookpaw
Brindleberry – Fluffy tortoiseshell and white she-cat with green eyes (Dawnpelt and Starlingfire's daughter)
Tinywhisker – Tiny ginger tom with amber eyes (Newtnose and Owlclaw's son)
Shrewclaw – Light brown tabby she-cat with pale green eyes and ginger patches (Newtnose and Owlclaw's daughter)
Apprentices:
Lichenpaw – Spiky-furred gray she-cat with large cream patches and blue eyes (Mistcloud and Plumnose's daughter)
Rookpaw – Black tom with spiky fur and bright blue eyes (Mistcloud and Plumnose's son)
Queens:
Dawnpelt – Old cream-furred she-cat with amber eyes
Mother of Palestar's kits: Agrimonykit, Perchkit, and Dockkit
Stripeflower – Gray tabby she-cat with prominent stripes and green eyes (Railclaw and Lilacleap's daughter)
Mother of Darkfang's kits: Bramblekit, Molekit, Nettlekit, and Stonekit
Kits:
Bramblekit – Brown tabby tom with white paws and green eyes
Molekit – Black she-kit with amber eyes
Nettlekit – Pale gray tabby she-kit with dark blue eyes
Stonekit – Gray tom-kit with green eyes
Agrimonykit – Very pale cream tom-kit with bright green eyes
Perchkit – Pale brown tabby tortoiseshell she-kit with amber eyes
Dockkit – Bright ginger tom with amber eyes
Elders:
Tawnypelt – Elderly tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes, former deputy
Owlclaw – Old light brown tabby tom with amber eyes
WindClan
Leader: Heatherstar – Old light brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes
Deputy: Sedgewhisker – Old light brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes
Apprentice, Fernpaw
Medicine Cat: Kestrelflight – Old mottled brownish-gray tom with bright green eyes and white splotches
Medicine Cat Apprentice: Lavenderstream – Blue-gray and white she-cat with light green eyes, former loner (Teaselfeather and Fang's daughter)
Warriors:
Larkwing – Old pale gray she-cat with blue eyes
Oatclaw – Old pale brown tabby tom with green eyes
Apprentice, Smallpaw
Featherpelt – Aging gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes
Slightfoot – Aging black tom with a flash of white on his chest and amber eyes
Brindletail – Aging mottled brown she-cat with blue eyes (Heatherstar and Breezepelt's daughter)
Basilwhisker – Aging spotted gray tabby tom with amber eyes, former loner
Apprentice, Batpaw
Sparrowstripe – Aging striped light brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes (Featherpelt's daughter)
Stoatstep – Aging small ginger tom with amber eyes, former kittypet
Asphodeltail – Ginger she-cat with a white chest, white paws, and deep green eyes (Stoatstep's daughter)
Apprentice, Fogpaw
Mintclaw – Gray tabby tom with amber eyes, former loner
Ryestorm – Golden brown tabby tom with amber eyes, former loner
Buzzardleap – Brown tabby tom with bright blue eyes (Brindletail's son)
Brackenflower – Golden brown tabby she-cat with light green eyes (Sparrowstripe and Slightfoot's daughter)
Blackbirdfoot – Pretty black she-cat with blue eyes and a white chest and tail tip (Sparrowstripe and Slightfoot's daughter)
Teaselfeather – Long-furred blue-gray she-cat with blue eyes, former loner
Apprentice, Lightpaw
Rockspots – White tom with gray spots all over his body and deep blue eyes (Birchnose and Mintclaw's son)
Nettlefoot – Gray tom with green eyes (Birchnose and Mintclaw's son)
Dappleheart – Tortoiseshell and white she-cat with dark blue eyes (Asphodeltail's daughter)
Apprentice, Milkpaw
Dustfur – Dusty gray tom with amber eyes (Sedgewhisker and Emberfoot's son)
Fawnfoot – Pale brown tabby and white she-cat with light green eyes (Sedgewhisker and Emberfoot's daughter)
Gorsewhisker – Mottled brown and white she-cat with pale blue eyes (Larkwing and Kestrelflight's daughter)
Swallowfeather – Black she-cat with green eyes, a white muzzle, a white belly, and white paws (Larkwing and Kestrelflight's daughter)
Asterstorm – Pale blue-gray tom with blue eyes, former loner (Teaselfeather and Fang's son)
Apprentices:
Fernpaw – Spotted light brown tabby she-cat with pale blue eyes (Heatherstar and Basilwhisker's daughter)
Batpaw – Black tom with green eyes (Shortflower and Squirrelfoot's son)
Lightpaw – Pale tawny she-cat with a pink tint and pale amber eyes (Shortflower and Squirrelfoot's daughter)
Fogpaw – Light gray tom with green eyes and dark gray front paws (Shortflower and Squirrelfoot's son)
Milkpaw – White she-cat with green eyes (Brackenfern and Chervilfur's daughter)
Smallpaw – Tiny golden brown tabby tom with blue eyes (Brackenfern and Chervilfur's son)
Queens:
Grasstail – Brown tabby she-cat with green eyes (Birchnose and Mintclaw's daughter)
Mother of Sheepcloud's kits: Lampreykit and Thriftkit
Morningpoppy – Patched gray tortoiseshell and white she-cat with golden eyes (Asphodeltail's daughter)
Mother of an unknown tom's kits: Grousekit, Rowankit, Sloekit, and Orchidkit
Kits:
Grousekit – Black tom-kit with golden eyes
Rowankit – Ginger tom-kit with amber eyes
Sloekit – Black and white she-kit with ginger patches on her leg, tail, and face, and golden eyes
Orchidkit – Gray she-kit with blue eyes
Lampreykit – Small brown tabby and white tom-kit with green eyes
Thriftkit – Sickly gray she-kit with green eyes and one twisted front paw
Elders:
Gorsetail – Elderly very pale gray and white she-cat with blue eyes
Bluetnose – White she-cat with pale blue eyes, former kittypet
RiverClan
Leader: Reedstar – Elderly sleek black tom with dark gray eyes
Deputy: Otterclaw – Black she-cat with dark amber eyes (Jaywing's daughter)
Medicine Cat: Willowshine – Elderly dark gray tabby she-cat with green eyes
Mother of Ducknose's kits: Dewkit and Beechkit
Medicine Cat Apprentice: Nightfrost – Small black she-cat with icy blue eyes (Hollyleaf and Fallen Leaves' daughter)
Warriors:
Mallownose – Old light brown tabby tom with amber eyes
Apprentice, Redpaw
Petalfur – Old gray and white she-cat with amber eyes
Curlfeather– Old pale brown she-cat with amber eyes
Jayclaw – Aging gray tom with green eyes (Petalfur and Mallownose's son)
Cypresswhisker – Aging pale gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes (Lakeheart and Lizardtail's daughter)
Chanterellefur – Older light ginger she-cat with pale green eyes, is wobbly (Brackenpelt's daughter)
Swanwing – Older white she-cat with dark blue eyes and a small ginger patch on her head, former loner
Spiderfang – Black tom with one dark amber eye (Havenpelt's son)
Patchpelt – Gray and white tom with pale amber eyes (Jaywing's son)
Lilytail – Gray she-cat with blue eyes and a long tail (Perchwing's daughter)
Breamstream – Long-legged silver tabby tom with amber eyes, former loner
Wigeonfeather – Pale tortoiseshell she-cat with blue eyes and a white belly (Chanterellefur and Spiderfang's daughter)
Hornetclaw – Pale ginger tom with amber eyes (Chanterellefur and Spiderfang's son)
Lightningspots – White tom with bright golden tabby spots, dark green eyes; former loner
Privetstream – White she-cat with very light blue eyes (Icewing's daughter)
Heronfrost – Silver tabby and white tom with very pale blue eyes (Icewing's son)
Ducknose – Pale brown tabby tom with green eyes, formerly of StreamClan
Cormorantheart – Black tom with bright blue eyes and one white hindpaw (Hollyleaf and Fallen Leaves' son)
Apprentice, Pochardpaw
Owlcloud – Dark brown tabby and white tom with light blue eyes, formerly of StreamClan
Spottedstorm – Large spotted tortoiseshell and white she-cat with bright green eyes (Hollyleaf and Fallen Leaves' daughter)
Creekwhisker – Frosty gray she-cat with a rose-tinted pelt and green eyes (Lilytail and Mudwhisker's daughter)
Brooktail – Gray tom with blue eyes and white paws (Lilytail and Mudwhisker's son)
Tawnyheart – Tawny brown tom with green eyes (Lilytail and Mudwhisker's son)
Apprentices:
Pochardpaw – Gray, cream, and white she-cat with gray eyes (Swanwing and Reedstar's daughter)
Redpaw – Reddish-ginger and white tom with blue eyes (Swanwing and Reedstar's daughter)
Queens:
Sandleaf – Very pale ginger she-cat with light green eyes (Hollyleaf and Fallen Leaves' daughter)
Mother of Patchpelt's kits: Hollykit, Cherrykit, Carpkit, and Mottlekit
Kits:
Dewkit – Gray she-kit with dark green eyes
Beechkit – Brown tabby she-kit with green eyes
Hollykit – Ginger and white she-kit with pale green eyes
Cherrykit – Ginger tom-kit with bright amber eyes
Carpkit – Cream tom-kit with light green eyes
Mottlekit – Mottled tortoiseshell and white she-kit with bright green eyes
Elders:
Mothwing – Elderly dappled golden tabby she-cat with amber eyes, former medicine cat
Icewing – Old white she-cat with blue eyes
Minnowtail – Old dark gray she-cat with amber eyes and fluffy fur
SkyClan
Leader: Hawkstar – Small dark gray tom with yellow eyes (Cherrytail and Sharpclaw's son)
Deputy: Falconheart – Heavily scarred gray and white she-cat with light green eyes, is blind in her right eye, former kittypet
Medicine Cat: Mossleaf – Aging pretty tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes, white paws, and a white tail tip, former loner
Medicine Cat Apprentice: Maplestorm – Brown tabby, ginger, and white she-cat with amber eyes (Warblerflower and Harrybrook's daughter)
Warriors:
Harrybrook – Old gray tom with a paler muzzle and underside, and amber eyes
Cloudmist – Old small white she-cat with blue eyes (Cherrytail and Sharpclaw's daughter)
Apprentice, Jaypaw
Bellaleaf – Old pale orange she-cat with green eyes, former kittypet
Dovenose – Aging gray tabby tom with deep green eyes (Mintfur and Nettlesplash's daughter)
Whinchattail – Aging pale brown tabby she-cat with bright green eyes (Mintfur and Nettlesplash's daughter)
Ospreyspots – Aging small black and white she-cat with blue eyes, former loner
Violetheart – Aging black and white she-cat with amber eyes, formerly of ShadowClan (Pebbleshine and Hawkstar's daughter)
Silverpoppy – Small silver tabby she-cat with bright green eyes, former loner
Apprentice, Slatepaw
Ashheart – Gray tabby tom with green eyes (Newtmist's son)
Campionflight – Ginger she-cat with a white chest and paws, and blue eyes (Blossomheart's daughter)
Warblerflower – Older pretty brown tabby, ginger, and white she-cat with green eyes, former loner
Apprentice, Bloompaw
Wisteriafang – Pale gray tabby tom with green eyes (Dovenose's son)
Wasptail – Pale ginger tom with a distinctive striped tail and amber eyes (Commaclaw and Cedarstorm's daughter)
Petalheart – Gray tortoiseshell and white she-cat with bright blue eyes (Flamenose's daughter)
Wrenfeather – Light brown tabby tom with amber eyes and soft fur (Oakstripe's son)
Apprentice, Poplarpaw
Terneyes – White tom with sharp green eyes (Tinycloud and Diverleap's son)
Gooseheart – White and light gray tom with green eyes (Tinycloud and Diverleap's son)
Badgerwhisker – Black and white she-cat with pale blue eyes (Tinycloud and Diverleap's daughter)
Apprentice, Mallowpaw
Cindertail – Pale gray she-cat with green eyes and light ginger patches (Warblerflower and Harrybrook's daughter)
Thistlefang – Mottled gray tabby and white tom with amber eyes (Warblerflower and Harrybrook's son)
Quailtalon – Silver tabby tom with gray stripes and blue eyes (Silverpoppy and Creekfeather's son)
Bluespring – Blue-gray she-cat with white-tipped fur and green eyes (Silverpoppy and Creekfeather's daughter)
Apprentices:
Poplarpaw – Black tom with bright green eyes (Petalheart's son)
Mallowpaw – Pale ginger she-cat with blue eyes (Petalheart's daughter)
Slatepaw – Dark blue-gray tom with blue eyes (Petalheart's son)
Bloompaw – Dappled ginger and white she-cat with green eyes (Petalheart's daughter)
Jaypaw – Gray she-cat with a white-tipped pelt, a missing back leg, and deep green eyes, formerly of StreamClan
Queens:
Daisyfoot – Swift white she-cat with blue eyes and small silver tabby patches, former loner
Mother of Wasptail's kits: Godwitkit, Thymekit, and Sycamorekit
Kitewhisker – Mottled brown tabby and ginger she-cat with pale green eyes (Commaclaw and Cedarstorm's daughter)
Mother of an unknown tom's kits: Bramblingkit and Minkkit
Kits:
Godwitkit – Silver tabby and white tom-kit with amber eyes
Thymekit – Pale gray tom-kit with white paws and amber eyes
Sycamorekit – Tortoiseshell and white she-kit with white-tipped fur and blue eyes
Bramblingkit – Brown tabby tortoiseshell she-kit with green eyes
Minkkit – Brown tabby tom-kit with green eyes
Elders:
Tinycloud – Elderly small white she-cat with blue eyes
Neritetail – Elderly white and tortoiseshell she-cat with a short tail, one blue eye and one amber eye, former kittypet
Mintfur – Old short-legged gray tabby she-cat with deep green eyes
Cats from Outside the Clans
Leafpool – Elderly light brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes, white chest, and paws, formerly ThunderClan medicine cat
Half Moon – Older white she-cat with green eyes; revived, formerly of the Ancients
Jayfeather – Old gray tabby tom with blind blue eyes, formerly ThunderClan medicine cat
Dottie – Tortoiseshell and white she-cat with amber eyes, lives at the Horseplace (Coriander and Smoky's daughter)
Stripes – Gray tabby tom with blue eyes and prominent stripes, lives at the Horseplace; Dottie's mate
Tiger – Gray tabby, cream, and white she-cat with blue eyes, lives at the Horseplace (Dottie and Stripes' daughter)
Shadow – Longfurred black tom with green eyes, lives at the Horseplace; Tiger's mate
Cedar – Brown tabby tom with green eyes, formerly a kittypet; Willowface's mate
A/N: Welcome to Squirrel's Abdication, a Warriors fanfiction set in the Ghouls of the Clans universe. Allow me to go over the main points.
I always planned for this to happen to Squirrelflight/star. While they are not on Fanfiction just yet, I have made the basic plots for Speckle's Blaze and Lavender's Stream, the first two main stories of the Ghouls of the Clans series. The only thing that happened was that I had to speed up Squirrelflight stepping down. I realized that even if the other Clan leaders did not take advantage, Squirrelstar's dementia would lead to bad decision-making that would put ThunderClan at risk.
According to my calculations, she is fifteen and a half years old at this point in my fanfiction timeline. Even pet cats are considered old at that age. Several sources say that half of all cats fifteen years of age and older develop dementia. This may befall the other elderly leaders at some point.
I did not show too many signs of Squirrelflight's problems on screen so people could still understand the story. The story becomes harder to follow if the POV character is suddenly confusing those around them with each other, or if they do not understand their environment. Dementia comes in stages. Squirrelflight's case is mild enough where she still remembers things most of the time, and knows there is a problem.
I placed references to other stories in the Ghouls of the Clans universe so anyone that has not read those stories still has an idea of what is going on. Dapplecloud's story is in full in Berry's Loss. Part three of Berry's Loss and Snow's Passage contain information on the crime committed on Jayfeather and the other medicine cats, as well as punishment for the cats involved afterwards.
The story's cover shows Squirrelstar sitting in front of the Moonpool. She and the background have a blue hue from it being night. The pawprints to Squirrelstar's left are the ones the Ancients left around the Moonpool long ago.
I see Squirrelstar as a small lean cat. She has a different body type than Bramblestar. Her muzzle is white from age; it's been that way since Bramble's Sacrifice at least. I nearly forgot to put in her torn ear tip. She does not have any other scars as the last few years have been relatively peaceful. The books don't mention her receiving scars on her abdomen after nearly being killed in Eclipse, so maybe she does not scar easily?
Please tell me what you liked and what I could improve on.